Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva declared a state of emergency on Wednesday in an attempt to restore order in the country as anti-government protests by tens of thousands of “red shirts” continue to escalate.
Abhisit said in a televised address that the protests, which have lasted for nearly a month in Bangkok, could no longer be considered peaceful. His address came after thousands of protesters marched to the parliament on Wednesday with some bursting into parliament, forcing members of parliament and ministers to flee.
The state of emergency gives the government sweeping new powers such as detaining suspects without charge for up to 30 days, and not allowing gatherings of more than five people.
Until now, the government has refrained from using violence to disperse protesters. Known as “red shirts,” the demonstrators are loyal to former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and demand the government step down and call new elections.
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